This beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture contains a small museum dedicated to the Spanish Inquisition's brutal persecution of heretics once carried out in these very chambers. Visitors can still see some of the torture devices used to extract confessions of heresy and witchcraft, along with some of the questions used in "witch" interrogations, which are still displayed on the museum wall. Needless to say, no prisoner could hope to be acquitted of their purported crimes against the Catholic Church, and most met their tragic end at the very guillotine still on display in the courtyard.

If the weather allows, make some time for the beach - Blackpool's impressive stretch of sand that runs along the coast invites holidaymakers for a picnic, amusing donkey rides, sunbathing and swimming (during the summer). The beach is very clean and well-kept.

For a relaxing day trip, take the train to the former fishing village of Cascais. Here you can stroll on the beautiful decorated streets, experience the lively fish auction held every afternoon next to the main beach, visit "Museu do Mar" to see the rich history of Cascais or take a refreshing walk along the coastal road to Boca do Inferno ("Mouth of Hell") where high waves crash into gigantic caves.

Competition is tough in England's "entertainment capital of the North", but Coral Island makes the cut as one of the city's best amusement parks. There are plenty of pursuits, including a casino, slot machines, haunted house and children's favorite monorail. Most attractions operate in bad weather.